staugartcritic
Shout to the Lord, a popular contemporary worship song, made it to American Idol but I have to say I was truly moved by Inspirata’s version. On the final note, soprano Elizabeth Claxton raised her right arm to show her hand in an encompassing gesture. I recently heard this newly formed quartet in the sanctuary at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. They had me mesmerized and now I can’t get enough of them. Add baritone Steven Jepson’s resonating Amen on completion of the Sanctus to my unforgettable list. Before mezzo-soprano Cheryse McLeod Lewis introduced Celine Dion’s The Prayer, there was no way I could have known how much that delivery would affect me. All through the hour-long concert, passion for singing shines through, particularly in tenor Timothy Sparks. All four show a remarkable range that for each of them appears easily attainable. Sonia Lewis (RCAM) has brought together a savvy group. Accompanied by their music director/concert pianist, prayer of praise is set in motion with some stirring a cappella along the way.
